Social Media in Minneapolis (or your town)

Apr 7, 2010 | blog

Foggy Town by Sri Dhanush Here’s another learning from my recent travels across the country.  It has to do with community, and regional participation.

I happen to live near and work in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area, and we have a very good, active social media community.  Because of this, its been easy for me to focus locally and (kind of) forget how many other large and small urban centers also have great communities.  That’s been the biggest learning as I’ve meet folks from all corners of the U.S. and around the world.

We all have vibrant social media communities, but they’re all different.  Some areas seem to be better at marketing, some better at technology or funding.  Regardless of the size of the city, the interest and enthusiasm always seems to be bigger than you’d think… and that’s the really fun part.

So my question to you this afternoon is what you’ve been doing to support that community and help it flourish.  The benefits of understanding what social media can do for individuals, businesses and your physical communities is growing at an impressive rate.  Its more than simply mainstream usage, it’s about people (society) adapting to new ideas and tools that support those ideas.  It’s cultural change which can be challenging for some organizations and individuals, and this is where you can help your community.

Getting involved in your local community is the best way to make things happen.  Find out what the need is and work on filling it.  It may  be getting people together at meetups, answering questions, or maybe training.  In any case, participating with your local community is as important as keeping up with the new ideas and tools that come out every day.

Picture courtesy Sri Dhanush

SMBMSP December 2009 Podcast

Dec 17, 2009 | blog

Yep, it’s that time again!  Time for the SMBMSP podcast, just in time for the holiday’s.  So sit back and share some eggnog & joy with the SMBMSP podcast crew as they relax next to the fire.

SMBMSP December 2009 Podcast – A very special holiday show
Show Date: December 10, 2009
Produced by BellaMedia – http://www.bellamediaonline.com/

Hosts: Brad Bellaver, Rick Mahn and Mykl Roventine

Special guests:
Lindsi Gish
Communications Manager, Second Harvest Heartland
http://www.2harvest.org/
http://twitter.com/2harvest

Bing Crosby (Toby Cryns, http://www.twitter.com/TobyCryns)
Santa Claus (Phil Wilson, http://www.twitter.com/philson)

Links:
SMBMSP Store – http://www.cafepress.com/smbmsp/
SMBMSP website – http://smbmsp.org

Music:
White Christmas – Esquivel
Frosty the Snowman – Toby Cryns

How are we doing? Please send feedback to smbmsp@gmail.com

Social Media Breakfast – Twin Cites #11

Jan 22, 2009 | blog

Social Media Breakfast - Twin Cities Hi there, it’s time again for the next SMBMSP event here in the Twin Cities – our 11th event if you can believe it!

We’ll be talking about social media and how it can be used in job search. This is a hot topic during our current economic situation, and I’m sure there are a number of people who will benefit from the discussion.

Where: The “Doty” conference room at the Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis , 55401)
When: January 30th, 8am to 10am
RSVP: Sign up on our Ning site (http://smbmsp.ning.com/events/smbmsp-11-social-media-job)

We’ll have Paul DeBettignies (@MNHeadhunter) to talk about these things from a recruiter’s point of view.  Other folks with great ideas for using social media for job search are welcome to stand up and share them with the group.

We’ll also look at brainstorming ideas for our fellow SMBers and invite you to share job leads on our Forum here on our Ning site.

We’re working on sponsors, but currently this event may be BYOB.  We’ll keep you posted on that from the smbmsp.ning.com site, so you may want to check in there once or twice.  Or follow us on Twitter (@smbmsp) for updates.

So join us in taking our understanding of social media and applying it back to our own community for job search.

Maps, Buses, Rail, Bikes, Parking, Directions: http://www.mpls.lib.mn.us/centralmap.asp

Social Media Breakfast – Holiday Edition 2008

Dec 5, 2008 | blog

Hi everyone! I thought I’d let you know about the upcoming Social Media Breakfast – Twin Cities on December 19th.  It’s a Holiday version of the event, meant to be fun and unstructured.

Lake Elmo Inn Event Center - Lobby We will be meeting at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center, where we’ll have a full breakfast buffet with all your breakfast favorites (including bacon!), served during the entire event.  The Lake Elmo Inn has great food, and is a consistent reader’s choice winner in Mpls./St. Paul Magazine, with great facilities and excellent food.

This is a pay event and costs $20 per person. Registration will be open through Dec. 16th and there are only 60 seats available, so don’t wait! Click Here to Register

We’ll be having a great morning with the story of Ratchet, related by Katie Konrath.  If you didn’t hear the story, it’s one of community, social media, and compassion coming together to make something happen.  One of the great examples of our interest and commitment to social media on a personal level.

Also, we will have an “open mic” for you to share your stories from past events, or to talk about things that Social Media Breakfast has enabled for you.  Tell folks what exciting new ideas you’re working on  or what you do.

Along with that, we’ll have much more time to talk and trade stories on a more intimate setting, with smaller groups and less pressure to adhere to an agenda.  Bring your ideas or stories and share with the folks at your table or the one next to you.

Lake Elmo Inn Event Center - Main Room

So come enjoy our most exciting event, our 10th event in Minneapolis & St. Paul, our first full breakfast, and probably the best chance to simply connect with more of the SMBMSP crowd than you’ve had a chance to previously.

I look forward to seeing everyone who can make it!  If you want to make it, but don’t have a ride lined up, direct message or “@” smbmsp on Twitter and we’ll do our best to connect a some folks together

When:
Friday, December 19th, 2008 from 8am to 10am

Where:
Lake Elmo Inn Event Center
3712 Layton Ave. N.
Lake Elmo, MN 55402
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